YANGWANG U9 Track Edition Breaks Global EV Top-Speed Record with 472.41 km/h Achievement
YANGWANG, the high-end sub-brand of BYD, has set a groundbreaking new global electric vehicle (EV) top-speed record by reaching an astonishing 472.41 km/h (293.56 mph). This feat was accomplished on August 8, 2025, at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany, firmly establishing the YANGWANG U9 Track Edition as the world’s fastest EV to date.
Pushing the Boundaries of Electric Performance
The YANGWANG U9 Track Edition builds on the already impressive YANGWANG U9, which has been available in China and is based on BYD’s innovative e 4 Platform and DiSus-X core technical architecture. The Track Edition takes these proven foundations even further by integrating the world’s first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high-voltage vehicle platform alongside an advanced thermal management system tailored specifically for extreme, high-performance conditions.
This potent combination of cutting-edge technology and engineering refinement enables the U9 Track Edition to push performance into unprecedented territory. It reflects YANGWANG’s commitment to combining electrification with supercar-grade capabilities while maintaining reliability and safety at ultra-high speeds.
Engineering Marvel: The e 4 Platform and Quad-Motor Powertrain
At the heart of the U9 Track Edition lies the revolutionary e 4 Platform, a world-first in the realm of quad-motor electric drivetrains. Each of the four motors operates at an incredible 30,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and delivers a peak power output of 555kW per motor. Together, the system produces a staggering combined output exceeding 3,000 PS (metric horsepower).
This extreme power translates to an awe-inspiring power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 PS per tonne, positioning the U9 Track Edition in the highest echelon of performance vehicles globally. The platform also incorporates an advanced torque vectoring system, which independently modulates torque to each wheel over 100 times per second. This rapid responsiveness ensures that even at breakneck speeds, the vehicle maintains impeccable traction and handling precision—eliminating wheel slip and ensuring maximum control.
DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System: Enhancing Stability and Grip
To complement the powertrain, the YANGWANG U9 Track Edition employs the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System. This system continuously monitors and adjusts the suspension on each wheel independently, delivering rapid vertical adjustments during aggressive acceleration, high-speed cornering, or uneven road surfaces.
By actively suppressing pitch and roll, the DiSus-X system enhances driver comfort and confidence, while also maximizing tire contact with the road for superior grip. This synergy between the suspension control and the quad-motor torque vectoring provides dual assurances of safety and performance, especially under the demanding conditions of ultra-high-speed driving.
Aerodynamics and Tire Technology for Extreme Conditions
While the U9 Track Edition retains the aerodynamic styling of the base YANGWANG U9, it is equipped with an optional carbon-fiber front splitter that has undergone rigorous testing and is already in mass production. This aerodynamic enhancement optimizes downforce and vehicle stability at very high speeds, confirming the scientific reliability of the vehicle’s design.
Recognizing the importance of tire performance in extreme speed conditions, YANGWANG collaborated with Giti Tire to develop a specialized track-focused semi-slick tire. This tire features optimized compounds and a custom tread design engineered for grip, durability, and heat management.
Moreover, an innovative knurling treatment at the wheel-rim interface, combined with a high-viscosity lubricant, minimizes slippage between the tire and rim during intense acceleration and braking. This reduces torque loss and tire wear, further improving vehicle predictability and stability during demanding maneuvers.
Record-Breaking Drive by Experienced Professional
The new top-speed record was set by professional German driver Marc Basseng, who also held the previous global EV speed record in 2024 at the same track. Reflecting on the accomplishment, Basseng remarked:
“Last year, I thought I’d peaked. I never expected to break my own record so soon — but here we are, at the same track, with new technologies that have made it possible.”
Redefining the Sustainable Supercar
With this record, YANGWANG not only cements its position as a leader in electric supercar innovation but also redefines what sustainable performance means in the automotive world. Backed by BYD’s robust commitment to innovation and sustainability, YANGWANG leverages advanced technology to deliver an unparalleled blend of speed, safety, and driving experience, proving that electric vehicles can outperform traditional combustion-powered supercars.
About BYD: Pioneering Technology for a Greener Future
Founded in 1995, BYD is a multinational technology powerhouse dedicated to improving life through sustainable innovation. Initially a rechargeable battery manufacturer, BYD has expanded into diverse sectors including automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics.
BYD operates over 30 industrial parks worldwide across China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Hungary, and India. The company is a global leader in zero-emission energy solutions, from energy generation and storage to the development of electric vehicles, covering six continents, more than 110 countries, and over 400 cities.
Listed on the Hong Kong and Shenzhen stock exchanges, BYD ranks 91st in the latest Fortune 500 list and achieved revenues exceeding 100 billion euros in 2024. Committed to future innovation, BYD invests heavily in research and development, with over 10% of its one million-strong workforce dedicated to R&D efforts, producing approximately 45 patents daily in pursuit of a greener, more sustainable world.
